When and why did you start collecting C.I. stamps/postal history?
I think it was in the late 1960s my parents returned my original stamp albums and I had also spotted the Occupation stamps in dealers’ windows at lunchtimes in the City. I also started a subscription for the Philatelic magazine, which was publishing the planned New Issues for the Islands and the Editor – O.W. ‘Bill’ Newport – had a strong focus on C.I. collecting.
When did you join the CISS? What/Who introduced you to the CISS?
1970. Probably an advert in the Philatelic magazine.
What benefit have you got from your membership of the CISS?
Fascination with the Channel Islands, an interest that encouraged me to research and write articles and then books on my early love of the Red Cross Civilian Postal Message Service, the Sub-Post offices and later Letter Forwarding Agents, finally an interest in Illustrated and Advertising covers. Membership extended from the Insurance & Banking P.S., local Societies, to the Royal, the Postal History Society and Society of Postal Historians. Enthusiasm, encouragement and comradeship helped, as did becoming part of a team and meeting knowledgeable collectors.
What aspect of C.I. stamps/postal history do you collect?
My past large collections have been the Occupation stamps, modern stamps and Island Revenues, the Red Cross Civilian Postal Message Scheme, the Receiving Houses and Sub-Post Offices of the British Channel Islands and currently early Letter Forwarding Agents handling Channel Islands Mails and Illustrated & Advertising letters connected with the Channel Islands. Topographical postcards.
Do you have a favourite item or group of items in your C.I. collection?
Yes, many especially those of historical and early maritime interest.
Do you collect other non-C.I. stamps/postal history?
Yes. Fine used GVI stamps of GB and the Commonwealth, local village postal history and local topographical postcards including Plaxtol and Tonbridge, Kent.
What has the hobby of philately meant to you?
It is a major part of my life especially with my involvement as Hon. Secretary of the Royal for four years and senior roles in the CISS. Always learning and collecting fascinating and scarce letters and documents, giving displays and travelling to various parts of GB, the Channel Islands and Europe.
I particularly enjoy the research and writing of articles and books and have had several published on mainly historical topics. I recall Alan Moorcroft FRPSL used to refer to me as ‘Mr Channel Islands’!
